Cover the trailer frame or not.

[rwelp]

I am looking for a general consensus. How many of you cover the trailer frame with the sides? The problem I am having is my frame is 3" c channel and if I use 4' ply for the sides I will be losing about 6" inside height(3" metal frame + 1 3/4" floor + spar and skinning material), thus making my inside height approx. only 42". Any thoughts would be appreciated. I am making a version similar to the LIL Diner, though not quite as long and it will have a drop down floor.
Rob Welp

[halfdome, Danny]

You could spline the extra inches to the top of your profile and a lot of it will be removed when you cut out your profile.
I personally prefer covering the chassis, it gives a polished look to the teardrop. Danny

[rwelp]

Thanks Danny,
That's what I thought too, I just hate the thought of losing that inside height.
Rob Welp

[RonS]

Use 5 foot wide plywood and cover the frame and still have more headroom than with 4 foot plywood not covering the frame?

[Gage]

Thanks Danny,
That's what I thought too, I just hate the thought of losing that inside height.
Rob Welp

So when your sitting down, how much height do you need, or do you plan on standing up in your teardrop? Sometime when you get a chance, sit down somewhere and have someone help by taking a measurement from the bottom of you butt to the top of your head and then add 3 inches. That’s how much room you'll need above the mattress.

P.S. My sides are dropped over my frame 6" and I have an 8" mattress with still plenty of room inside to move around and play.

[afreegreek]

no reason a person couldn't mount the sides flush to the bottom of the floor and skirt it either. anyway, 5' x 10' ply isn't rare or hard to find.. just look in the phone book for a supplier in your area.

[artwebb]

It is in my area! Of course, I live in a town with a pop below 6000 at last count. Skirting is a good suggestion, though, and I personaly think a tear can look good with or without the frame exposed, depending on the other design elements, and how pretty or ugly the frame might be

[rwelp]

Gage wrote:

So when your sitting down, how much height do you need, or do you plan on standing up in your teardrop? Sometime when you get a chance, sit down somewhere and have someone help by taking a measurement from the bottom of you butt to the top of your head and then add 3 inches. That’s how much room you'll need above the mattress.

P.S. My sides are dropped over my frame 6" and I have an 8" mattress with still plenty of room inside to move around and play.

The reason I am concerned with the height inside is that I will have a drop down floor and raised seating/bed like Mike has in the Lil Diner. With the bed raised 6-8" above the floor, I am concerned about headroom. I will however follow your advice and have my wife measure me when sitting.
Rob

[prohandyman]

Rob
Just attach a piece of 1x4 trim (if a woody) or a piece of aluminum diamond plate (if using aluminum) to cover the frame side.

I have an 8" mattress with still plenty of room inside to move around and play.

Gage....your too old for play!

[rwelp]

no reason a person couldn't mount the sides flush to the bottom of the floor and skirt it either. anyway, 5' x 10' ply isn't rare or hard to find.. just look in the phone book for a supplier in your area.

There is a source for 5' x10' ply in my area, problem is the 1/4 thickness has an mdf core and I don't want to use that, and I don't want 3/4 thickness for my walls. I may just have to scarf 2 sheets of 5' x 5' baltic birch ply if I decide to use 5' sheets.
Rob

[rwelp]

Rob
Just attach a piece of 1x4 trim (if a woody) or a piece of aluminum diamond plate (if using aluminum) to cover the frame side.

I have an 8" mattress with still plenty of room inside to move around and play.

Gage....your too old for play!

It will not be an aluminum TD, so the 1x4 may be the option for me if I don't go with a 5' sheet of ply.
Rob

[afreegreek]

no reason a person couldn't mount the sides flush to the bottom of the floor and skirt it either. anyway, 5' x 10' ply isn't rare or hard to find.. just look in the phone book for a supplier in your area.

There is a source for 5' x10' ply in my area, problem is the 1/4 thickness has an mdf core and I don't want to use that, and I don't want 3/4 thickness for my walls. I may just have to scarf 2 sheets of 5' x 5' baltic birch ply if I decide to use 5' sheets.
Rob

look in the phone book, call a commercial millwork shop and ask them where they get their material from.. their supplier will be able to set you up.

[emiller]

I cut down my sides a couple of inches and cover the frame. Too much head room other wise.

[doctor phreak]

[quote="prohandyman"]Rob
Just attach a piece of 1x4 trim (if a woody) or a piece of aluminum diamond plate (if using aluminum) to cover the frame side.

at a cost perspective this is what i would do instead of buying 5 x 5 plywood....my .02

[Gage]

Gage....your too old for play!

Heck, I'm only 37. It's putting up with a couple of the admins that has caused me to look older. A little playing around keeps you young.

And that's my advice for the younger teardroppers.